Potential successor to Pope Francis made telling remark about US before pontiff's death

In an already tumultuous time, Vatican Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced this morning the sad passing of Pope Francis: "This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father."

This came mere hours after his final public appearance on Easter Sunday. Just prior to his passing, Pope Francis had engaged in a private meeting with US Vice President JD Vance.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, aged 70 and tipped as a likely frontrunner for the papal seat, also held discussions with Vance.

Parolin, who has been entrenched as the Vatican's Secretary of State since 2013, stands out as a key player in diplomatic matters due to his extensive background and intimate knowledge of Vatican operations, leading many to peg him as the probable successor to Francis.

Parolin's recent remarks regarding America's position on the world stage have, however, turned heads.

Before Vance's arrival, speaking to La Repubblica, Parolin didn't mince words about shifts in U.S. policy, indicating an apparent swipe at US President Donald Trump: "It is clear that the approach of the current US administration is very different from what we are used to and, especially in the west, from what we have relied on for many years."

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a top Vatican diplomat, has indicated contrasting views from the US concerning the Ukraine conflict, reinforcing Ukraine's entitlement to self-defence and stressing that no peace deal should be "imposed" on it. After discussions with U.S. official Vance, the Vatican revealed they had "exchanged opinions" on various subjects, reports the Express.

The Cardinal hasn't shied away from criticising US policy before. Reacting to Donald Trump's proposition to force Palestinians out of Gaza earlier in the year, Parolin reportedly voiced concern, referencing Jordan's King's refusal to take in refugees, as per The National Catholic Reporter.

Should Parolin ascend to the Papacy, the impact this might have on US-Vatican relations remains ambiguous amidst uncertainties about him assuming the Papal position.

The Vatican, commenting on Parolin's meeting with Vance, stated: "There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners.

"Finally, hope was expressed for serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States, whose valuable service to the most vulnerable people was acknowledged."

In the interim, until a new Pope is selected, the governance of the church will be under the control of the College of the Cardinals.